Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services
Post-Doctoral Fellowship
Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, Virginia State University, Virginia, us, 23806
Post-Doctoral Fellowship
Title:
Post-Doctoral Fellowship
State Role Title:
Psych I/Psychology Assoc I
Hiring Range:
$89,878.00 to $124,031.00; Pay to be commensurate with experience
Pay Band:
4
Agency:
Dept Behavioral Health/Develop
Location:
Central State Hospital
Agency Website:
https://dbhds.virginia.gov/facilities/csh/
Recruitment Type:
General Public - G
Job Duties This is a full‑time, 12‑month Postdoctoral Fellow position beginning September 10, 2026. The opening is for a one‑year fellowship. Applications are accepted until January 2, 2026, 11:59 pm. The designated CHD (Common Hold Date) will be Monday, February 23, 2026.
Central State Hospital (CSH) is a 277‑bed Joint Commission accredited psychiatric inpatient facility located in Petersburg, Virginia. It has been serving the Commonwealth since 1870 and is the first psychiatric hospital in the country dedicated to the treatment of African Americans. A new and modern CSH is under construction on the same property, scheduled for completion in 2027.
CSH maintains the only maximum‑security treatment facility in the state (111 beds) and an additional 166 beds for individuals in the community who need inpatient care, as well as individuals in the criminal justice system. Treatment modalities include medication, evidence‑based group and individual therapy, peer support, psychosocial rehabilitation, vocational training, court preparation, and substance use treatment. The program emphasizes holistic, person‑centered, and recovery‑focused care.
As a Post‑Doctoral Fellow in our Psychology Department, you will:
Conduct forensic evaluations, primarily competency to stand trial and sanity at the time of the alleged offense, along with other forensic‑related evaluations.
Act as a resource to staff on forensic psychological services and lead the weekly Case Law seminar.
Serve as an informed consumer of research and contribute to the research agenda of the department.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of Forensic Mental Health Law, including CST and SMO Standards.
Ability to conduct forensic evaluations and produce defensible reports.
Skill in psychological assessment, diagnosis, and clinical interviewing.
Strong written and verbal communication, including expert testimony.
Professional interpersonal skills and openness to supervision.
Strong organization, time management, and documentation abilities.
Ability to integrate feedback and engage in ongoing training.
Ability to apply legal and clinical standards to form sound opinions.
Demonstrated professionalism, respect, and cultural competence.
Minimum Qualifications
Doctoral degree in psychology or related field, must be obtained by beginning of fellowship.
Basic knowledge in clinical assessment, report writing, and consultation relevant to forensic evaluations.
Demonstrated competence and knowledge in psychopathology, personality theory, and the assessment process.
Additional Considerations APPIC Postdoctoral Selection Standards: https://www.appic.org/Postdocs/Postdoctoral-Selection-Standards/Postdoctoral-Selection-Standards-Applicants
Questions about APPIC criteria should be directed to Wayne Siegel, Ph.D., ABPP, the APPIC Postdoctoral Committee Chair.
Special Instructions Confirmation of receipt will be provided upon successful submission of your application and résumé.
Application Requirements Applications and résumés are accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Electronic Recruitment System only.
Interview decisions will be made solely on the information provided in your electronic application and résumé.
Applications will be reviewed within five (5) days of the posting date.
Background Investigation All applicants are subject to an extensive background investigation and pre‑employment drug screening, including fingerprint checks, local agency checks, Department of Social Services/Child Protective Services checks, employment verification, and education verification.
Under Virginia Code 37.2-314 and 37.2-408.1, the Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services (DBHDS) cannot employ or utilize volunteers who are convicted of specific barrier crimes or have pending barrier charges.
Reasonable Accommodations Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities during the application and/or interview process, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Notify Human Resources at (804) 524-7111 during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) if you require assistance or accommodation.
Equal Opportunity The Commonwealth of Virginia is committed to conducting all aspects of human resource management without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. Retaliation against anyone making allegations of violations of this policy is prohibited.
Veteran Preference DBHDS is a Virginia Values Veterans (V3) certified employer and provides hiring preference to qualified veterans and service members. Veterans, active National Guard, and Reserve members are encouraged to apply.
Benefits DBHDS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including choice of health plans, paid life insurance, retirement plans, 13 paid holidays, annual leave, family personal leave, sick leave, employee discount programs, and more.
Contact Information Name: Human Resources Phone: 1-804-524-7111* Email: CSHRecruitment@dbhds.virginia.gov
In support of inclusion, individuals with disabilities may apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. Provide an AHP Letter (formerly COD) from DARS or DBVI. Service‑connected veterans are encouraged to provide their disability documentation to obtain an AHP Letter.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Post-Doctoral Fellowship
State Role Title:
Psych I/Psychology Assoc I
Hiring Range:
$89,878.00 to $124,031.00; Pay to be commensurate with experience
Pay Band:
4
Agency:
Dept Behavioral Health/Develop
Location:
Central State Hospital
Agency Website:
https://dbhds.virginia.gov/facilities/csh/
Recruitment Type:
General Public - G
Job Duties This is a full‑time, 12‑month Postdoctoral Fellow position beginning September 10, 2026. The opening is for a one‑year fellowship. Applications are accepted until January 2, 2026, 11:59 pm. The designated CHD (Common Hold Date) will be Monday, February 23, 2026.
Central State Hospital (CSH) is a 277‑bed Joint Commission accredited psychiatric inpatient facility located in Petersburg, Virginia. It has been serving the Commonwealth since 1870 and is the first psychiatric hospital in the country dedicated to the treatment of African Americans. A new and modern CSH is under construction on the same property, scheduled for completion in 2027.
CSH maintains the only maximum‑security treatment facility in the state (111 beds) and an additional 166 beds for individuals in the community who need inpatient care, as well as individuals in the criminal justice system. Treatment modalities include medication, evidence‑based group and individual therapy, peer support, psychosocial rehabilitation, vocational training, court preparation, and substance use treatment. The program emphasizes holistic, person‑centered, and recovery‑focused care.
As a Post‑Doctoral Fellow in our Psychology Department, you will:
Conduct forensic evaluations, primarily competency to stand trial and sanity at the time of the alleged offense, along with other forensic‑related evaluations.
Act as a resource to staff on forensic psychological services and lead the weekly Case Law seminar.
Serve as an informed consumer of research and contribute to the research agenda of the department.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of Forensic Mental Health Law, including CST and SMO Standards.
Ability to conduct forensic evaluations and produce defensible reports.
Skill in psychological assessment, diagnosis, and clinical interviewing.
Strong written and verbal communication, including expert testimony.
Professional interpersonal skills and openness to supervision.
Strong organization, time management, and documentation abilities.
Ability to integrate feedback and engage in ongoing training.
Ability to apply legal and clinical standards to form sound opinions.
Demonstrated professionalism, respect, and cultural competence.
Minimum Qualifications
Doctoral degree in psychology or related field, must be obtained by beginning of fellowship.
Basic knowledge in clinical assessment, report writing, and consultation relevant to forensic evaluations.
Demonstrated competence and knowledge in psychopathology, personality theory, and the assessment process.
Additional Considerations APPIC Postdoctoral Selection Standards: https://www.appic.org/Postdocs/Postdoctoral-Selection-Standards/Postdoctoral-Selection-Standards-Applicants
Questions about APPIC criteria should be directed to Wayne Siegel, Ph.D., ABPP, the APPIC Postdoctoral Committee Chair.
Special Instructions Confirmation of receipt will be provided upon successful submission of your application and résumé.
Application Requirements Applications and résumés are accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Electronic Recruitment System only.
Interview decisions will be made solely on the information provided in your electronic application and résumé.
Applications will be reviewed within five (5) days of the posting date.
Background Investigation All applicants are subject to an extensive background investigation and pre‑employment drug screening, including fingerprint checks, local agency checks, Department of Social Services/Child Protective Services checks, employment verification, and education verification.
Under Virginia Code 37.2-314 and 37.2-408.1, the Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services (DBHDS) cannot employ or utilize volunteers who are convicted of specific barrier crimes or have pending barrier charges.
Reasonable Accommodations Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities during the application and/or interview process, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Notify Human Resources at (804) 524-7111 during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) if you require assistance or accommodation.
Equal Opportunity The Commonwealth of Virginia is committed to conducting all aspects of human resource management without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. Retaliation against anyone making allegations of violations of this policy is prohibited.
Veteran Preference DBHDS is a Virginia Values Veterans (V3) certified employer and provides hiring preference to qualified veterans and service members. Veterans, active National Guard, and Reserve members are encouraged to apply.
Benefits DBHDS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including choice of health plans, paid life insurance, retirement plans, 13 paid holidays, annual leave, family personal leave, sick leave, employee discount programs, and more.
Contact Information Name: Human Resources Phone: 1-804-524-7111* Email: CSHRecruitment@dbhds.virginia.gov
In support of inclusion, individuals with disabilities may apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. Provide an AHP Letter (formerly COD) from DARS or DBVI. Service‑connected veterans are encouraged to provide their disability documentation to obtain an AHP Letter.
#J-18808-Ljbffr